Proper foot care is essential for maintaining mobility and overall quality of life and becomes increasingly important with age. Foot issues can hinder everyday activities, such as walking, shopping, and exercising, leading to impaired mobility and a decreased quality of life. Pain or altered walking due to foot problems heightens the risk of falls, potentially impacting mental well being, social interaction, and increasing the likelihood of depression. In the workplace, foot pain can reduce productivity, affecting self esteem and effectiveness. Moreover, good foot health is vital for maintaining the ability to exercise, which in turn affects general health, weight management, and the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Surgery for foot issues may result in lasting mobility challenges, altering lifestyle and well-being. For those with diabetes, foot care is even more critical as high blood sugar can lead to circulation issues and nerve damage, increasing the risk of hard to treat infections. As part of your journey to improve your overall health and well being, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to have your feet examined, obtain any necessary treatment, and learn about effective foot care.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Granite State Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Manchester and Bedford, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetic foot ulcers can lead to serious problems like amputations, infections, and a lower quality of life. These wounds take a long time to heal and can come back even after they seem better. Podiatrists often use a treatment called debridement to help. Several different debridement methods are employed to address these wounds effectively. Sharp surgical debridement involves the precise use of surgical instruments, such as scalpels, to skillfully remove dead or damaged tissue from the wound. Autolytic debridement harnesses the body's natural healing processes. It involves maintaining a moist wound environment using appropriate dressings. The body's own enzymes work to break down and liquefy dead tissue over time. Enzymatic debridement uses specialized ointments or gels containing enzymes applied to the wound. These enzymes actively break down necrotic tissue, aiding in its removal. Enzymatic debridement products are available by prescription. Other types of debridement exist. If you have a diabetic foot ulcer that needs extra care, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss debridement as a healing treatment and the precise type that would be best for your individual needs.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Granite State Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Manchester and Bedford, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot drop, a condition that impedes the lifting of the toes and forefoot, presents a unique challenge in the realm of podiatry. Typically affecting one foot, though occasionally both, and ranging from temporary to permanent, foot drop's impact extends beyond mere inconvenience. Graded on a scale from zero to five based on muscle strength and movement, foot drop results in an abnormal gait, prompting sufferers to find other ways to navigate everyday activities. To avoid their foot catching on the floor during walking, they adopt a high-stepping gait that looks more like marching. At the heart of foot drop lies the common peroneal nerve. Originating from the sciatic nerve in the thigh, it courses down the back of the knee, winding around the top of the fibula before affecting the muscles of the lower leg. Vulnerable due to its superficial location, the common peroneal nerve is susceptible to injury or compression, resulting in foot drop. Causes range from direct injury to the common peroneal nerve to damage in the lower back, including a slipped disc that affects the nerves in the lower leg.  If you believe you have developed foot drop, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately treat this condition.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Granite State Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Manchester and Bedford, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Podiatrists play a vital role in preventing falls among the elderly population in various ways. A couple of important ways they can help is by assessing footwear and prescribing custom foot orthotics. Wearing proper footwear can significantly improve balance and gait, offering better stability and reducing the risk of falls. Since many older adults wear improperly fitting shoes, a podiatrist can recommend appropriate footwear, including shoes with good traction suited to various conditions, and modifying existing shoes for a better fit. Custom foot orthotics are designed to support the feet and enhance feedback to the brain, which improves balance. They can accommodate different foot shapes and deformities, making each step more comfortable and stable, thus reducing the risk of falls. If you are elderly and want to ensure that you are doing all you can to prevent falling, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can evaluate your situation and provide the help you are seeking.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Granite State Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Manchester and Bedford, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Swollen feet, a frequent and uncomfortable condition, can be triggered by a variety of factors. One of the most common causes is prolonged standing or sitting, which can cause fluid to accumulate in the lower extremities. Similarly, high salt intake can lead to water retention, resulting in swollen feet. Pregnancy is another well-known cause of foot swelling, due to increased blood volume and pressure on leg veins. Certain medications, like those for hypertension or hormone therapy, may contribute to edema. Injuries, such as sprained ankles or fractures, can also result in localized foot swelling. Additionally, underlying medical conditions like heart disease, kidney problems, or venous insufficiency can lead to edema in the feet. Lymphedema, a condition involving impaired lymphatic system function, is another possible cause. Recognizing the common causes of swollen feet is vital, as it can help you determine whether it is a benign issue or a sign of an underlying health problem. If you are concerned about persistent foot swelling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and guidance on managing the condition.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Granite State Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Manchester and Bedford, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.